February 23, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Pope Francis Shows Early Signs of Kidney Failure

Pope Francis continues to battle serious health issues as he remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported earlier today that the 88-year-old pope is being treated for double pneumonia and has shown early signs of kidney failure. Despite this, the Pope remains alert and responsive, attending Mass while receiving high-flow oxygen.

The pope’s doctors remain cautious. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the Pope’s medical team, Pope Francis is not in immediate danger of death but remains “not fully out of danger.”

Pope Francis has been battling a complex lung infection, which, combined with his age and pre-existing respiratory issues, makes his recovery uncertain. The Vatican has confirmed that his hospitalisation could extend into the coming week, with concerns over possible sepsis due to respiratory germs.

Man Arrested in Connection with Murder of Devon Chable in Corozal

Authorities have formally arrested and charged 32-year-old Azael Josimar Garcia, a mechanic from Corozal District, for the murder of 22-year-old Devon Jorge Chable. According to police reports, Garcia is accused of being involved in the tragic death of Chable in January.

The incident unfolded in the Altamira area of Corozal Town, where Chable was chased on his bicycle by three individuals in a pickup truck. The pursuit ended when the truck driver allegedly ran Chable over near Naybaz Store. Despite being rushed to Corozal Community Hospital, Chable succumbed to his injuries.

While two suspects were quickly apprehended, Garcia managed to flee but is now in police custody.

Former Village Councillor Shot Dead in Hattieville

Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting of Tyrel Requeña Sr., a former village councillor and Justice of the Peace. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon in Hattieville, Belize District.

According to reports, Requeña was installing a camera system when three men emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire. He was in the company of his goddaughter, 20-year-old Kiana Novelo. Both were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where Requeña was pronounced dead at 3:00 p.m. Novelo received treatment and was discharged.

Villagers reported hearing up to 20 gunshots.Requeña was mourned by his son, who said on social media, “February 22, remember this date. It’s the day Belize lost the most famous TikToker, a justice of the peace, a pillar of the community, and a father of six, Tyrel Requena Sr., my dad. Rest in peace, Dad. Love you forever.”

We are told that two men were detained for questioning.

Elvia Vega-Samos Stands Firm as Independent Candidate for Corozal Bay

Elvia Vega-Samos is standing firm in her decision to run as an independent candidate for Corozal Bay, despite being officially expelled from the People’s United Party (PUP) on Saturday. The PUP revoked her membership yesterday after she announced her candidacy for the upcoming general elections the day before. The committee cited the party’s constitution, which prohibits members from running without the party’s endorsement.

In response, Vega-Samos has been vocal on social media, reaffirming her independent candidacy to the people of Corozal Bay. “Save the paper and the time taken to point out the obvious! I choose to stand on the side of what is just, what is fair, and what is best for the people of Corozal Bay!” she said, adding, “I shall not be moved! I’m resolute, I’m determined, and I’m independent!!”

Vega-Samos has framed her decision as a stand against political constraints, stating, “I know that I have been a victim of the greed and self-serving behaviour of certain people you know all too well. But I’m here to show them and everyone that I am not a victim. I am a survivor!”

Vega-Samos rejects the party’s control and gears up to challenge the PUP’s standard bearer, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, and Hernan Riverol, who is the candidate for the Alliance of Democracy under the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton. According to the UDP faction led by Moses “Shyne” Barrow, they will be supporting Vega-Samos as an independent candidate.

Tracy Panton Accuses Kaya Cattouse of Body Shaming

The People’s United Party (PUP) held a campaign event in Independence Village on Saturday that became the backdrop for a sharp exchange between two political rivals. Kaya Cattouse, the PUP candidate for the Albert constituency, wasted no time in launching a direct critique against her opponent, the sitting Albert Area Representative, Tracy Panton of the United Democratic Party (UDP).

In her address, Cattouse confidently stated, “Because the PUP will win across the north, the south, the west, and in Belize District. We will win Albert, and unu know why? Because Tracy time come and Tracy time done.”

Her follow-up comment raised eyebrows when she said, “Because mek we be real, she can’t keep up with me—nuh pan the bike, worse on the campaign trail—and nuh mek we talk bout we ina the mirror.”

In response, Panton took to social media, denouncing Cattouse’s comments as “body shaming” and calling them in “poor, poor taste.” She said, “I have intentionally stayed away from negative campaigning because I believe voters are more interested in what I am bringing to the table…Ms Kaya Cattouse attempts to ‘body shame’ me in Independence yesterday was not well received.”

Panton added, “Not even to the PUP voters she was trying to appeal to. It was in poor, poor taste, and the feedback to me was quick and furious. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Enough said!”

Tourists Found Dead in Hotel Suite Identified

Three women with U.S. nationality were found dead in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on Saturday morning. Reports indicate that the women, identified as Kaoutar Naqqad (23), Imane Mallah (24), and Wafae El-Arar (26), held US citizenship and were born in Morocco. They had checked in to the hotel on February 19.

According to reports, housekeeping staff made several attempts to reach the women but received no response. Just before midday on Saturday, the staff used a master key to access the room and found the women unresponsive in different places in the room.

The authorities were immediately alerted. Emergency responders confirmed their deaths. Vomit and froth around the women’s mouths led authorities to suspect a possible drug overdose. Police found no signs of forced entry or injuries on the women.

Surveillance footage confirmed they entered the resort on Thursday and were not seen to exit the suite after that. Among the belongings of the women, authorities found items including snacks, vapes, and gummy bear candies.

A post-mortem examination is pending, and police are reviewing the surveillance footage.

This remains an ongoing investigation.